Big Chief’s Untold Story: Rivals, Feuds, and the Real Reason He Left Street Outlaws

For nearly a decade, Street Outlaws delivered raw, unfiltered street racing action that made it a cultural phenomenon. And at the center of it all stood Big Chief – real name Justin Shearer – a name that became synonymous with underground racing. From his early days tearing down Old Route 66 to his reign as race master of the legendary OKC Top 10 list, Big Chief wasn’t just a racer. He was the beating heart of the show.

Photo by Charles Ludd

But behind the roaring engines and the camera-ready moments was a complex story of rivalry, loyalty, and broken friendships. Big Chief’s recent revelations about his time on the show shed light on the high-stakes politics that ultimately led to his shocking departure from Street Outlaws.

The Painful Rift with Murder Nova

One of the most heartbreaking fallouts in the Street Outlaws world was between Big Chief and his longtime partner, Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington. For years, the duo was inseparable, wrenching on cars late into the night, running their shop, and building some of the most iconic rides in the game – from the Crow to the OG Murder Nova.

But cracks began to show when competitiveness and accusations started to overshadow friendship. In Season 3, Big Chief publicly called out Murder Nova for allegedly running nitrous – a serious accusation under their race rules. Things escalated further by Season 6, with Chief accusing Shawn of using a “leave button” to get the jump at the starting line.

Their priorities diverged as well. While Big Chief stayed laser-focused on street racing, Shawn turned his energy toward 187 Customs and family life alongside his friend Phantom. By January 2021, the partnership was over. Murder Nova replaced Big Chief on America’s List.

Still, Chief remained diplomatic in public, admitting that Shawn’s leadership style was better suited for the race master role. But fans could feel the sting. Years of brotherhood had come to a painful and very public end.

Photo by Big Chief 405

Kye Kelley: The Performance Rivalry

If Murder Nova’s split was personal, Big Chief’s rivalry with Kye Kelley was all about performance. The New Orleans racer stormed onto the scene in 2014 and made an immediate impact, taking down some of the 405’s top names – including Chief himself.

One unforgettable moment came in 2015 during Cash Days in Texas, where Kai pocketed $16,000 after beating some of the best, including Big Chief. While there was no open hostility between the two, Kai’s meteoric rise pushed the 405 crew to rethink their strategies, fueling an unspoken but undeniable tension.

Reaper: A Feud in the Open

While some rivalries simmered quietly, James “Reaper” Goad’s feud with Big Chief was a full-blown war of words. Reaper accused Chief of manipulating the show’s politics to keep his inner circle on top while sidelining others.

Ironically, Reaper faced his own controversies – his car was constantly criticized for resembling a promod, with many fans questioning whether it even qualified as a true street car. Despite the drama, Reaper never fully walked away, but his public shots at Big Chief added another layer of tension to an already divided cast.

Photo by Big Chief 405

Precious Cooper and the Memphis Tension

Precious Cooper, the “Queen of the Streets,” made a name for herself with her fearless driving and fierce determination. But when she and Chief crossed paths on America’s List, things got heated.

The controversy centered around the “race your way in” policy, which allowed certain Memphis racers to enter without qualifying. Big Chief defended the rule, but Precious saw it as favoritism – and she didn’t hold back. The feud escalated to the point where Chief and his girlfriend, Jackie Braasch, walked away from the show entirely.

The Fracturing of the 405 Crew

Perhaps the biggest blow wasn’t a single rivalry but the slow unraveling of the 405 crew. What started as a brotherhood of racers driven by passion and grit began to splinter under the weight of fame, ratings, and production pressures.

Big Chief was vocal about the direction America’s List was taking, claiming that inconsistent rules and favoritism were killing the soul of street racing. He insisted that money wasn’t the reason for his exit – with an estimated net worth of $2 million, he was financially secure. His decision was rooted in principle, a move that only deepened fans’ respect for him.

Life After Street Outlaws

Today, Big Chief may not be the face of Street Outlaws, but he’s far from gone. Through Midwest Street Cars, YouTube content, and independent events, he’s returned to the grassroots racing world he always loved. With Jackie Braasch by his side, Chief has embraced authenticity – building cars, telling unfiltered stories, and running real races.

His departure has left a noticeable hole in the franchise. While Murder Nova has stepped up and new faces have joined, many fans feel the golden era of Street Outlaws ended when Chief walked away. Social media comment sections are filled with nostalgia, with fans reminiscing about the days when the show was raw, real, and fueled by pure street racing passion.

Big Chief’s Legacy

Looking back, Big Chief’s journey isn’t one of defeat – it’s a story of evolution. By leaving the politics of reality TV behind, he’s regained the freedom to race for the thrill, not the cameras. The rivalries with Murder Nova, Reaper, Precious Cooper, and others were just chapters in a much larger story – one that continues to unfold on his own terms.

Big Chief reminds us that behind every burnout and every high-stakes race are real people, real friendships, and real consequences. And while Street Outlaws rolls on without him, his impact on the sport – and on the fans – will never be forgotten.